The X Factor Off Key as ratings fall

Viewing figures have dipped to a three year low, according to reports

Nearly one million viewers have abandoned the X Factor already, with long advert breaks and unusual choices of acts to blame.

A cosy night in watching the X Factor was once the highlight of the weekend, but if the latest ratings are to go by more and more of us are growing tired of the the show's format and talent - or lack of.

During the first of the live performance shows on Saturday night a peak of 12.7 million viewers tuned in- a huge drop on the 13.5 million from last year's series.

And the extensive advert breaks are partly to blame.

During Saturday night's two and a half hour show there were a staggering eight of them, taking up over 30 minutes of viewing time.

At one point viewers saw just seven minutes of live performances before the next ad cut in.

While it may still dominate TV ratings- Saturday night's X Factor held a 42.2% share of viewers while BBC 1's Strictly Come Dancing held just 8.68 per cent- it would seem X Factor is failing to reach those high notes...

Are you watching X Factor? Or have you switched off this year? Let us know in the box below...

X FACTOR 2011: THE FINAL 16

X FACTOR: THE LIVE SHOWS